It’s no secret that social media is everywhere today. The screen of the device in your hand has replaced the TV and your family’s computer as the ‘Number 1’ screen that most everyone is glued to. Throughout the day - as you post the good, the bad, and the ugly – you’re adding to this online, living resume. High school students are frequent (daily, hourly, sometimes by the minute) users of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat, sharing their world with the rest of the globe.

In due time, those same high school students are going to be applying to colleges, filing their common apps, and crossing their fingers. The admissions process is certainly a stressful one to begin with, but consider this: more and more admissions offices are reviewing the social media accounts of prospective students. It’s not a secret anymore. And, for some, it’s cause for additional concern.

By using social media in a positive manner - posting of things you are proud of, tweeting content that your grandmother would approve of, considering social media as a utility instead of a toy – you will find that your accounts can be most certainly used for good, showcasing you in the best light possible to colleges, and giving you an edge on a number of your counterparts.

Here are our Top 4 things to consider regarding your social media in 2017 and beyond:

Should I Really Post ‘This’?

Does the post make you look like college material? Are the photos and tweets you’re publishing a positive reflection of who you are? And yes, while you’re not getting graded on the information you’re putting on social, still work to spell, write, and communicate as you’re being taught in your English classes.

No, Really, Should I Post ‘This’?

Would you mom be proud of this post? What about your grandmother? This living resume you are posting on is showcasing your character. In some cases, especially if you haven’t had an interview with an admissions office, this may be one of the only ways in which the school can get a glimpse of your personality. Post politely, publish proudly, and leave the photos of you drinking with your friends off of the internet. Again, if you didn’t tell your mom about it, don’t tell the world about it.

Demonstrate Interest

Colleges love when students demonstrate interest using social media. And the best part? It’s so simple to do! Find the social accounts of the colleges that you’ll be applying to, and connect with their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts. Even Snapchat, as its grown so rapidly, has become a place for colleges to connect with prospective students. By engaging in the easiest of ways – liking, retweeting, sharing – invites communication from the school.

Don’t Hesitate to Show Off A Little (Or A Lot)

The things that make you YOU? The awards you’ve won? The subjects you’re passionate about? Those are the posts and tweets that you definitely want to make sure are the content that you’re presenting on the Internet for all to see. You’re already geared towards documenting just about every moment of your life on social, so don’t miss out on an opportunity to snap a photo of your latest A+ paper or your creation from art class. Showcasing you who are, as well as your activities and interests, is something that colleges are looking for – make sure to impress them! They want more than just transcripts and and an academic ace - they want someone who shows passion, who is authentic, and who will contribute positively to their campus.